Was AB de Villiers the Saffer version of Viv Richards?

[Ab Fan]

I would like to know the thoughts of PP on this. Was de Villiers that good to be considered the Richards of this era?

IN LOs, nobody can take the bowling apart as Viv did and on a consistent basis in Modern era except maybe ABD. Even he is the closest we can get to.

An average of 53@ SR of 100 in an era of 2005-2018 with a World Cup number reading as 63 AVG @SR 117 sounds even better to be put into context.

Add in,the test average of 50 with double hundreds in subcontinent and match-winning hundreds in Australia, West Indies and England. However, unlike a Viv Richards, de Villiers had the other side of the game as well- to block, block and block! His stone-wall defense game in Adelaide helped SA save a test match and ultimately won them a series in Australia.

So, is it fair if we call him a Saffer version of Viv or a modern-day Viv Richards, whatever fits better?

 

[sweep_shot]

Viv and ABD are both unique in their own ways. You can't compare the two.

ABD used to choke when there was pressure. Viv was cooler and more effective.

I rate Viv higher.

 

[ishtiaq_ctg]

ABD played many great knocks in pressure situations. Cant be lebelled as a chocker.
I think as far as Batting ability is concerned, He's up there with the very best of the game. Shouldn't have been a keeper though which I think hampered his overall batting.(Like Gilchrist who would've had a lot better batting stats if he didn't kept wickets)

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Viv and ABD are both unique in their own ways. You can't compare the two.

ABD used to choke when there was pressure. Viv was cooler and more effective.

I rate Viv higher.

ABD never choked, he averages 50+ in ICC knockouts. You're mixing him up with Amla and Kohli.

 

[Robert]

At his best, ABDV reminded most closely of IVAR among batters that I have seen.

 

[andy0204]

At his best, ABDV reminded most closely of IVAR among batters that I have seen.

when kp was in his prime he was also rated as modern day richards.

 

[sweep_shot]

Viv played his cricket without a helmet. He was a fearless warrior.

Let's see how ABD does without a helmet.

 

[Ab Fan]

Viv played his cricket without a helmet. He was a fearless warrior.

Let's see how ABD does without a helmet.

Now, we will only see retired AB without a helmet playing against some retired cricketers or young kids, lol.

 

[Ab Fan]

At his best, ABDV reminded most closely of IVAR among batters that I have seen.

When to be exact?

 

[Godhelpma]

A poor man ‘s Viv Richards.

 

[Ted123]

I felt he underachieved in contrast to Viv who did justice to his abilities.

A great player nevertheless but not in the league of Viv or even close.

 

[Robert]

when kp was in his prime he was also rated as modern day richards.

Not by me. Pietersen was outstanding but Richards was on another level.